Treating Alcohol Addiction

June 12, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Substance Abuse

Image by kevinliuzzo via Flickr

Overcoming a substance abuse addiction can be a difficult task. For the individual, it can feel impossible. However, for those ready and willing to stop abusing alcohol, there is help available and tactics to follow for success. Recovery always begins with the individual admitting they have a problem so hitting rock bottom is not necessary.

The first tactic is to commit to stop drinking. This cannot occur overnight and is a gradual process. In the beginning stages, denial is one of the most difficult hurdles to overcome. A strategy that commonly assists with surpassing this obstacle is evaluating the costs and benefits of drinking by creating a simple table.

The next strategy is to set specific goals and make the necessary preparations for change. By establishing clear drinking goals the abuser will develop the motivation to fulfill those goals. Also, it is important to write strategies that could assist with making these goals which sets the stage for successful recovery.

The next step toward recovery is to get support which is available in a variety of ways; rehabilitation, therapy, self-help programs and the self-directed  treatment approach. It is always essential to be backed by a support group of family, friends, counselors, healthcare providers, those from the faith community or other recovering alcoholics.

The final step is to ensure the selected treatment is being administered safely. With a professional, safety is the utmost importance. However, for those that choose to stop drinking on their own, they may need medical supervision to withdraw from alcohol usage safely. With the majority of alcohol abusers, withdrawal symptoms improve in five days. However, for some it can be life threatening.

 

Filed Under: Drug Addiction, General, Treatment Tagged With: , ,

Alcohol Addiction Recovery and Treatment

February 16, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Stopping alcohol addiction can be very difficult, but not an impossible task. If a person is willing to stop alcohol consumption and ready to take help from the support, then the cravings for alcohol can be easily curbed. Recovery and treatment process always start with the patient accepting the fact that they have this problem. There are many rehabilitation centers to stop alcohol and a person can even curb this illness by themselves by following certain steps. Here are few steps to recover from the alcohol usage.

First important step is to make commitment to stop the habit of drinking. This problem cannot be stopped overnight and it involves a lot of process and determination. The early stages in the recovery and treatment are very important and the main obstacle in these stages is the denial. If a person is not able to accept or stop drinking, then it is better to evaluate the loss they have incurred due to the habit of drinking.

Next important step is to make some realistic goals and get ready to change. A person should first start with cutting back the drinking and gradually reduce the alcohol consumption. They can even set a date to start with their goal to stop alcohol consumption. This can be achieved only if the person stops their temptation to drink, understand their mistakes, announce their goal to family members and friends, avoiding bad influences, and finally following the new limitations.

It is a better idea to ask for help from the support groups, rehabilitation programs, self-help programs, self treatment, or taking therapies. Trying the treatment alone is not good and having loving people around will always provide some encouragement, guidance, and comfort. The treatment is always based on how much a person are drinking, how long they are drinking, and other health problems. Finally, it is very important to avoid cravings and triggers.

Filed Under: Alcoholism, Drug Addiction Tagged With: , ,

Alcohol is the Most Harmful Drug to Society

December 13, 2010 By Leave a Comment
A pile of crack cocaine ‘rocks’.
Image via Wikipedia

A recent report released by a former UK drug adviser claims that alcohol is the most harmful drug to society. Currently, heroin and crack cocaine are listed as the worst drugs, but David Nutt is urging British officials to take a second look at how harmful substances are classified.

Nutt does not disagree that heroin and crack cocaine are the most harmful drug to the individual user, but he does say his findings indicate that alcohol is the most dangerous to society as a whole. His report is meant to address drugs and how they are classified by how their effects damage society as a whole. In other words, people who are intoxicated on alcohol are the most likely to cause harm to others.

Nutt was released from his government duties when he challenged officials on their current classifications. He believes politics overruled science where drugs are concerned. Other European nations have already taken a position similar to Nutt’s on the damaging societal effects of alcohol. Furthermore, contemporary drug research suggests that some drugs need to be upgraded for their potential harm and some need to be downgraded.

Heroin and crack cocaine should certainly be listed in the top tier, but Nutt and others say alcohol and even tobacco should be there, too. Some drugs, such as ecstacy should be downgraded, he believes. Part of the reason for revisiting the way drugs are classified is to revise how the offenders are criminalized.

Alcohol abuse can lead to crimes and injury against innocents while the user is under the influence, yet alcohol abusers are not regularly jailed for being drunk, but encouraged to seek treatment. That’s not necessarily the case for heroin and cocaine users. Ultimately, Nutt is urging the government to put treatment first for drug users, the same as it does for alcoholics.

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One or Two Drinks Will Not Send Someone to Alcohol and Drug Treatment Centers

December 9, 2010 By Leave a Comment
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - NOVEMBER 10: Alcohol offe...
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Most people that enjoy having a drink once in a while do not end up in a drug rehab facility. In fact, a lot of those out there that enjoy a drink enjoy it socially or on occasion. Just because someone drinks alcohol does not mean that they are an alcoholic.

As the holidays get closer, this is something to remember. Many people who only drink on occasion will be drinking more. The holidays are a time that many people indulge a little more than normal. Between the holiday parties, and the stress that the holidays can produce, the wine, champagne, and other alcoholic drinks tend to flow a little more freely. Just because you see someone taking an extra drink, or drinking at multiple parties does not mean that they have a problem.

In fact, many people who have dealt with alcoholism will completely avoid any alcoholic drinks or even possibly avoid parties and get-togethers where drinking may be present. If a person has gone through alcohol and drug treatment centers, he or she will understand that being around alcohol can be dangerous to recovering. Even many people who are getting over alcoholism who haven’t been to a treatment center understand this.

If you have a friend, co-worker, or family member who is brushing off a drink, don’t try to force him or her into it. These people may have reasons of their own to not be drinking at these parties. Some people just don’t drink alcohol (and never have). Respect their reasons, whatever they are, and let it be. But don’t feel bad if you do decide to have a drink or two. Just be safe heading home! No one wants to hear about an accident because of irresponsible drinking and driving.

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Filed Under: Awareness, Drugs, General Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Thinking about Alcohol

August 6, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Have you Really Ever Thought About it?

Most people young or old that drink alcohol don’t stop to think about about how alcohol works. It is one of the worlds oldest drugs and so woven into the fabric of society that alcohol consumption is a recreational activity enjoyed by teenagers to the elderly. Alcohol produces its desired effects by impairing normal brain function, here is how.

What does alcohol affect?

Alcohol impacts the cerebral cortex (responsible for processing thoughts, senses, and voluntary muscle movements) producing that desired effect of lowering inhibitions and making a person more chatty and confident. Alcohol’s affect on the cerebral cortex dulls the senses and can momentarily dull physical or emotional pain, but bad judgment is coupled with this desired effect. The impairment of the lymbic system can produce the desired result of exaggerated emotions where those long deep conversations about life occur. Conversely, the lymbic region controls memory so that long deep drunken conversation might not be recorded in your memory. The desired effect of physical looseness or relaxation has to do with alcohol’s affect on the cerebellum. The unwelcome side effect is poor balance. The hypothalamus and pituitary are affected by alcohol; sexual desire goes up, but sexual performance goes down. And finally, the medulla’s impairment also acts to release tension, but makes a person tired as well.

Blackout – What Occurs When the Brain is Overloaded

As mentioned earlier, alcohol affects the lymbic region of the brain in control of memory. When alcohol is consumed in excess total memory loss can occur. A person suffering “blackout” is at the least, usually embarrassing him or herself greatly. That kind of behavior can lead to mental anguish, depression, and a loss of self-identity. During blackout while all regions of the brain are significantly impaired from alcohol a person can freely engage in very risky behavior. While blacked out a person might freely engage in dangerous stunts or dares, physical confrontations, unprotected sex, driving, etc. Constant heavy drinking can lead to the brain’s increased susceptibility to blackout; complete memory loss can occur at lower levels of alcohol consumption.

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